Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Two illegal immigrants from North Carolina have been arrested and could face deportation after staging a sit in this afternoon in downtown Atlanta to protest laws that bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.

Supporters say Jose Rico, a student at Wake Tech, and Viridiana Martinez of Sanford, were arrested with five other undocumented students who were protesting recently proposed legislation in Georgia and North Carolina.

The students were taken to an area jail. The supporters said the Atlanta jails participate in Secure Communities, which identifies and places illegal immigrants into deportation proceedings.

A vigil will be held tonight outside Atlanta Detention Center for the seven undocumented youth who were just arrested.

“I’m doing this because our communities are living in fear,” Rico said before the rally.

Organizers say more than 200 supporters from Georgia, the Carolinas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, among other states, are in Atlanta supporting the rally.

Rico is a member of the NC Dream Team, a state-wide group that advocates for immigrant rights. He is a student at Wake Tech in Raleigh and plans to transfer to NC State. After excelling in high school being accepted to numerous colleges, Rico could not afford to go to school because of the out-of-state tuition that undocumented students are required to pay. Rico wants to become an engineer.

The students are part of The Dream is Coming project, which was created to advocate for the Dream Act, legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for certain young people who were brought here at a young age. It has failed to pass congress several times, most recently in December.

The young students have started using civil disobedience as a tool in their fight, including a high-profile sit-in at the Tucson offices of U.S. Sen. John McCain, when some of them were arrested. They have likened their struggle to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and say they are bolstered by support from some of the leaders of that movement.

Legislators in North Carolina are considering banning illegal immigrants from attending public colleges and universities. Two bills in the NC General Assembly, HB 11 and HB 343, would ban illegal immigrants from attending the state's public colleges.

Viridiana Martinez, who came to the United States when she was 7-years-old and lives in Sanford, will also participate in the sit in. Last year, she was one of three undocumented young women who participated in a thirteen-day hunger strike with the hope of encouraging Senator Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, to support the Dream Act. The Dream Act succumbed to a Senate filibuster after several key Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill.

“Rallying and protesting are no longer enough,” Martinez said. “Remaining in the shadows is no longer acceptable.”

43 comments:

Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or

Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or

Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; has committed a federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

Apparently Franco gets paid by the blog post, or has a quota he has to meet. In every other blog I frequent, they do this thing where they add "UPDATE:" and new text at the bottom of the blog post if there's new information.

Still, 17 comments on 2 blog posts so far and not ONE of them is supportive of illegal aliens being allowed to stay here or having the same rights as citizens. Gotta love THAT. (Unless you're Franco.)

The reversals at Gitmo, and the trials being held there. The soon to be demise of the forced Health Care, and now the actual enforcement of immigration laws are just too tenuous for many who have had such an easy ride for too long.

They are finally seeing how we real people have had to pay and work for all their mess, and now we are expecting things to be a value for our tax money, and for others to be just as law abiding as we are.

Larry, as a former Democrat, I hope you are right. It's really sickening to see these kinds of ridiculous sit-ins given free advertising by mediocre papers like the Observer. Illegal aliens have made it such that teenagers can no longer get minimum wage jobs. How are they supposed to learn a proper work ethic when they can't get employed? American businesses are also to blame because they're the ones doing the hiring in the first place. The issues with these illegal aliens would evaporate if they could no longer find Americans who will hire them. So what's a good citizen to do? PAY ATTENTION! When you see illegals working at restaurants you frequent, talk to the manager. When you see illegals working on landscaping at your business park, contact the building owners and let them know you're watching. Open your mouths and do something to stop this. Legislators and businesses have demonstrated that they are unwilling to do what is required to ensure that our borders are secure. So it's really up to US to stay on this.

This is all due to the "Global Economy", it has lead us to a demise in our country and our ideals. We need to manufacture our own products, employ our own citizens, educate our citizens and protect our own citizens. The military needs to defend this country and not stick it's nose in other countries. Those that wish to immigrate, must to follow our laws. Employment will increase, crime will drop and we won't need to spend money (and borrow) we don't have. People in other countries need to stand up and fight to change their contries, just as we have. Immigrant want to move here because of what we have built, fine....do it legally.

Before the the whitefolk conquered this land the "illegals" were known to travel all over this continent settling wherever they wanted...they are native to this land. Ever wonder why the Native Americans and Mexicans look so much alike??? Maybe it's the whitefolks who are the "illegals"....

"Undocumented NC students arrested during sit in" They aren't undocumented students. They are undocumented immigrants and undocumented immigrants should be arrested and deported, regardless of if they are employed, unemployed, in school, or retired

They aren't undocumented NC students. They are undocumented immigrants and undocumented immigrants should be arrested and deported, regardless of if they are employed, unemployed, in school, or retired

"Before the the whitefolk conquered this land the "illegals" were known to travel all over this continent settling wherever they wanted...they are native to this land. Ever wonder why the Native Americans and Mexicans look so much alike??? Maybe it's the whitefolks who are the "illegals"...."Race and and nationality have nothing to do with the conversation. Many people of various nationalities, races, and eras came to this continent for thousands of years. Then governments were established. Wars were fought. Territories were defined. and laws became the a part of human societies.U.S. citizens come from every race and emigrated from every country and continue to so. Some legally some illegally. Illegal aliens are not only from "Mexico". Mexicans just like U.S. residents and citizens can be any race or descend from any nationality or culture. It is ridiculous to imply that only white people conquered the U.S. and that only Mexicans are here illegally, and that all Mexicans are native Americans. As if europe didn't colonize Mexico

"Two illegal immigrants from North Carolina have been arrested and could face deportation after staging a sit in this afternoon in downtown Atlanta to protest laws that bar illegal immigrants from attending public colleges."

How can an illegal immigrant in Atlanta be from North Carolina. It's probably more appropriate to list the name of the country they originated from if you want to refer to their home

I know Jose and Viridiana and they are wonderful people who deserve a path to citizenship. Shame on those who lack the compassion and empathy for children who are in citizenship limbo because of bad immigration policies. Viridiana and Jose are heroes. How many of us can say that we gave up a dream fighting for the dreams of others? We need the Dream Act so that residents like Viridiana and Jose can become citizens. Our country just lost two wonderful, law abiding, tax paying, patriots who wanted to call America home. Godspeed. SBH

They knew they were undocumented and skating on thin ice when they went to Atlanta. Someone of Mexican decent should explain to them they do not have RIGHTS in the U.S. They have rights in Mexico or the country they came from. As such they should learn to keep a very low profile so as not to rile those of us who were born here and support many of them with tax dollars. In the county I live in we give $31,000,000 a yr in aid to illegal immigrants so far. The state spends approximately 2 billion a yr. Enough is enough at some point and we have reached that point. It is time to send them back where they came from whatever the expense and by any mean necessary.

I whole-heartedly support people who come to the U.S. with the desire to improve their quality of life. Many are fleeing horrible conditions and are searching for ways to save themselves from violence or destitution. But people who wish to take advantage of the opportunities available in the U.S. must adhere to the laws of this country and obtain citizenship through legal measures. Is the process long, expensive and difficult at times? Yes. Should it be reformed/improved? Absolutely, but at this time, it is what we have in place and must be followed. As legal citizens, they can begin to influence change and reform movements.

Thousands of U.S. citizens, both native and legal immigrants, are competing for spots in U.S. universities, scholarships, and financial aid. If illegal immigrants want to pursue the same opportunities for higher education, they should demonstrate their appreciation for those opportunities by taking the steps to meet the basic eligibility requirements. I wish them the best of luck in following our nation's laws to become responsible U.S. citizens.

After excelling in high school being accepted to numerous colleges, Rico could not afford to go to school because of the out-of-state tuition that undocumented students are required to pay.

Options: Get a scholarship.Return to your country of origin and don't go to college.Return to your country of origin and go to college.Join the U.S. military, get your school paid for and quality to become a citizen. Now that is a great compromise!

They aren't undocumented. "Undocumented" implies that they had documents, or are perhaps in the process of obtaining documents. These are people who have no intention whatsoever of following any rules that involve documentation.

And they aren't immigrants. Again, this implies that they've gone through some sort of immigration process, like Ellis Island or the current equivalent.

These people are ILLEGAL ALIENS who also happen to be students. And by definition, since their very existence here in this country is in violation of Federal law, they are CRIMINALS. We are not trying to criminalize them; they did that to themselves when they decided to stay here in violation of the law.

No. Your parents or you broke the law, and entered the country illegally. No one is criminalizing your existence. That is an outrageous claim. Just because you can't go to a public college in certain states or have to pay out of state tuition because you or your parents broke the law is not criminalizing your existence. it is putting consequences on breaking the law

I know Jose and Viridiana and they are wonderful people who deserve a path to citizenship. Shame on those who lack the compassion and empathy for children who are in citizenship limbo because of bad immigration policies.

Whether these two individuals are wonderful people is immaterial.

I have no problem with them or anyone else becoming a US citizen.

In fact, I helped several people immigrate to the US when I worked for a company a number of years back but the difference was, these people came through the front door.

"I know Jose and Viridiana and they are wonderful people who deserve a path to citizenship. Shame on those who lack the compassion and empathy for children who are in citizenship limbo because of bad immigration policies."- The law does not differentiate between wonderful and not wonderful people. They have several paths to citizenship. One includes joining the military. They are not in limbo b/c of bad immigration policies. They are in limbo because their parents ignored the immigration policies - aka broke laws.

Viridiana and Jose are heroes. - No they aren't. They are people who didn't follow the law that want the same rights as people who followed the law.

How many of us can say that we gave up a dream fighting for the dreams of others? - I can. but that is irrelevant. There is a reason for the law the law is the law and it needs to be followed. They are not citizens and they are fighting for other people who are not citizens to be treated like they are...

We need the Dream Act so that residents like Viridiana and Jose can become citizens. - no they can follow the standard process or join the military then simultaneously become citizens and go to college

Our country just lost two wonderful, law abiding, tax paying, patriots who wanted to call America home. Godspeed. SBHThey are in high school. they obviously aren't law abiding or tax paying. A lot of people want to call America home. A lot of them waited in line. A lot of them are waiting in line. Show them the end of the line if you want to help them.

No, their is no sympathy for them nor should their be; a lot of honest people go through the system to get citizenship and they just want it handed to them because their parents made poor life decisions for them.

Maybe once they are deported to wherever they originally came from, they could apply to college there (last I checked, they have colleges and universities in every Latin American country and they are equally as good as the ones in the United States).

Wiley, my comment about knee-jerk reactions had nothing to do with illegal immigration and everything to do with those who eagerly and erroniously jumped Franco for removing comments.Without an apology, I might add.

I have a young many in my English class who has only been in America about a year now... he kicks the ever-loving mess out of his classmates in ability to analyze literature, work ethic, and ability to respond thoughtfully to a topic with detail and poise.... ALL after teaching himself English over the course of the past year... he is wiping the floor with his "native-speaker" counterparts. His father is here on a transfer from Mexico City on a work Visa to work in the branch here in North America... but I see in this young man someone who is working hard and doing well... why can't that same idea be extended to kids who have been brought here by their families---they don't have a choice in the matter. Granted, if you are doing something illegal...send them back...Heaven only knows we have enough home-grown deviants... but I have had many "illegals" in classes and for the most part... MOST work very hard, are polite, and are truly desirous of an education.

Nicole, I have taught English in China and I can tell you there are plenty of bright, hardworking Chinese as well.

I have also worked with getting many of them into college, graduate schools, and also emigrating to the US just to work and be with their families.

But we did it legally. And there are plenty of deserving people who are REJECTED and HAVE TO WAIT.

Mexicans and others from south of our border make it MUCH WORSE for those who are TRYING to FOLLOW OUR LAWS.

But, even though the illegals make it even tougher for the legal immigrants, it doesn't mean they should come here as illegals and get whatever they wish.

Don't confuse the children of a Mexican national here on a visa with the illegals who just cross the border and think they are owed everything (and more) than what is permitted for those who are here legally.

If we went strictly by who DESERVED to be in this country, most of the illegals from south of our border STILL wouldn't be on the A list.

I just cannot feel much sympathy for those who have already jumped the queue ahead of others trying to do the right thing and STILL think they are owed more.

The majority of undocumented students who are in this country DID NOT choose to break any law, in fact many of them were brought here as infants and children... Saying that, I believe it is unjust to deport them and punish them for breaking immigration laws. The recent sit ins and demonstrations are a result of the extreme frustration of these young people who are in every way American, but at the end of high school find their educational and financial future stalled by laws that are made by people who are ignorant of the situation that they are in. I believe in the values and foundation that this beautiful country WAS founded on, but I don't really see many Americans stand on them today.. didn't George Washington warn against making political parties and bashing each other with nasty hateful comments? PS I'm undocumented, sigh...students who are in this country DID NOT choose to break any law, in fact many of them were brought here as infants and children... Saying that, I believe it is unjust to deport them and punish them for breaking immigration laws. The recent sit ins and demonstrations are a result of the extreme frustration of these young people who are in every way American, but at the end of high school find their educational and financial future stalled by laws that are made by people who are ignorant of the situation that they are in. I believe in the values and foundation that this beautiful country WAS founded on, but I don't really see many Americans stand on them today.. didn't George Washington warn against making political parties and bashing each other with nasty hateful comments? PS I'm undocumented, sigh...

About this blog:

Franco Ordoñez writes about immigration (and Haiti) for the Charlotte Observer. This Land covers the latest news and ideas about one of the country’s most perplexing issues of our day. Email him at fordonez@charlotteobserver.com.